My Style Tips for Success

One of the most common questions I get asked during the planning stages with my clients is "What should we wear?" I am more than happy to discuss your clothing choices, help you narrow down your decision or give you a direction to focus on as well as make sure that your clothing coordinates well with the locations chosen for your photo shoot!

#1 Romantic .Natural. Pure

There are so many great outfits that look amazing in pictures but not all are “naturally sweet” (The E Mc B mission statement) so in come ROMANTIC, NATURAL and PURE. I like to keep these words in mind when choosing pieces for my client closet. It helps eliminate so many cool clothes and narrow down to keep with my photography style. I want you to be you, but a main reason a client chooses a photographer is based off the work they present online. Clothes and styling choices completely set the tone of the images. Color fabric and fit are equally important in making clothing selections.

 #2 Don’t match. Coordinate.

You want to compliment each other’s outfits by choosing colors that work well together. I find that if everyone is wearing the same clothing, people will all tend to blend in together and there won’t be too much pop and life to the images. I tend to like one pattern per 4 people.

#3 Use Natural &Light colors.

I photograph in a white studio or outdoors with lots of light and sky so light and muted colors are the best choices when choosing your color palette. White, cream, ivory, light gray, sage, blush and light blue are my top choices. Small floral prints are generally preferable over larger ones. . When picking patterns, choose smaller ones that won’t pull attention away from the main subjects, and only put one person in a pattern.

Style guide of E Mc B Photography
Style guide of E Mc B Photography

 #4 Layering.

One of my favorite “tips” for clothing choices! In the Summer months, this may be more difficult to pull off but during all of the other seasons, definitely layer your outfits. Not only will it provide more visual interest in each photo but it will also allow a lot more variety in your shots and poses. Do you have a ton of images of yourself in just your dress or cute top and jeans? Throw on a little sweater or jacket and a hat and you will have an entirely different look.

 #5 Be Polished: Roots to toes

Give yourself a bit of pampering. Make sure nails look clean and filed. I recommend natural colors but just make sure they look picture ready. Keep in mind I usually have clients barefoot. I’m not taking closeups of your feet but if they are in the image you don’t want your “Winter toes” peeking out. Also if you have unwanted roots, grab some root touch up powder or spray at target. It works wonders when you don’t have time to get to the salon.

 #6 Keep make up natural.

You will want to avoid using very heavy makeup, but a bit of color on your lips, eyes, and cheeks will help bring you to life in photos. Be sure to bring some lip gloss with you as well for touch ups as there may be lots of smooches in store from your partner and little ones!

 #7 Use items with texture and movement.

Look at your clothes. Do any of them move? Do any of them make you want to touch them? These types of things add an element of connection to your images. Little girls love dresses with "twirl-ability", a cashmere sweater looks as good as it feels, a corduroy jacket, organic cotton, fur vest, chiffon or tulle skirts are good starting points.

 #8 Collarless shirts

Weird huh? I actually love a polo shirt but when we are hugging and moving and leaning down to kiss baby sister….that collar goes right across the face. A plain white tee or a henley is a perfect alternative.


 #9 Outfit changes.

If time allows it, bring another set of outfits or at least a change of jackets, add in a scarf, etc. Even a small change will add a lot of variety to your gallery.

 #10 Shop at the same store.

Make coordinating family photo outfits easy by shopping at the same store or brand. It’s especially helpful when there are multiple children to dress. Brands typically release their collections with looks that work well together.

 #11 Accessorize!

Accessories give your photographs that needed punch! They lend pops of color, personality, and interest. Some suggestions are a stack of bracelets, necklace, hat, scarves, jackets, glasses and flower crowns. Everybody wears them well, they add in extra layers (that I love) and they work for all ages.

Your future memories are the most important thing to me, and I want your session to be a time for you to just be yourselves and enjoy it. Have fun together. Laugh a lot. And I’ll take care of the rest! You can also take advantage of my client closet, that has many items to choose from, ranging in size from newborn to 6. Mom size S-Xl

Still have questions? Send me an email, I'm always available to talk style. :)


Store/ Brand recommendations:

Mom: Baltic Born, Anthroplogie, H&M, Morning Lavender

Dad : J Crew, H&M, Banana Republic

Kids: Zara, Baileys Blossoms, Hope & Henry, H&M

Infants: H&M, Zara, SpearmintLove

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